Becoming A Fruitful Bough Of Christ (9):
Prepare The ‘Soil’ Of Your Heart (2)

The Father requires us to break up (till and plough) the fallow grounds of our hearts, in order to sow seeds and reap fruits of righteousness. It is only when you have dealt with the soil that you can sow.

Isaiah 28:23-26 NLT
“[23] Listen to me; listen, and pay close attention. [24] Does a farmer always plow and never sow? Is he forever cultivating the soil and never planting? [25] Does he not finally plant his seeds- black cumin, cumin, wheat, barley, and emmer wheat- each in its proper way, and each in its proper place? [26] The farmer knows just what to do, for God has given him understanding.”

Therefore, in asking us to break up the fallow grounds of our hearts and not sow our seed among thorns, the Lord is asking us to break off from all our ungodly habits and ways; clear our hearts of ‘weeds’ like unforgiveness, repent of our sins, cease to do evil, and then the good seed of His word will have room to grow and bear fruit.

HOW DO WE PREPARE OUR HEARTS?

1. Remove The Stumps

Stumps must be rooted out so that new crop can be planted.

Stumps in the believer’s life are strongholds – entrenched thinking patterns, behaviours and habits. They are foundational issues, mostly as a result of upbringing and experience; often embedded in our psyche and resistant to change. They include false/negative perceptions of who you are, bitter experiences from the past which have taken root and produced shame, guilt, unforgiveness, hatred, fear, self–sufficiency/reliance.

2. Break the Hardness of Heart

Hardness of heart includes rebellion and disobedience to God’s word, unbelief, doubt and lack of faith; bitterness over circumstances or sheer wilfulness, thanklessness and un-thankfulness.

Just as stumps and hard ground require a plough, deliberate effort and application of force; we need the Holy Spirit’s help in dealing with stumpy and hardened hearts. Jesus also said, concerning the unbelief of His disciples, “This type only comes out by fasting and prayer.” (Matthew 17:21)

Ultimately both the stumps and the hardness of heart can only be repaired by the grace of God. It is He who can restore us, by taking away our stumpy and stony hearts and giving us a heart of flesh.

Ezekiel 11:19-20 NLT
“[19] And I will give them singleness of heart and put a new spirit within them. I will take away their stony, stubborn heart and give them a tender, responsive heart, [20] so they will obey my decrees and regulations. Then they will truly be my people, and I will be their God.”

REFLECTION AND PRAYER

Psalm 139:23-24 NLT
“[23] Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. [24] Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life.”

Make this your earnest prayer and ask the Father to deal with anything in your heart that hinders His word from producing fruit in your life. Ask Him to soften and tenderise your heart to make it more receptive to His word. You may decide to fast, as you wait on the Lord in prayer.

For Further Reading: Psalm 139; Daniel 4:15; Mark 3:5; Mark 8:17-21; Mark 16:14

Fulfilling Our Theme For 2024: “Building The Highway And Lifting The Banner”

“And in that day, there shall be a Root of Jesse, who shall stand as a banner to the people; for the Gentiles shall seek Him…. (therefore) Go through, go through the gates! Prepare the way for the people; build up, build up the highway! Take out the stones, lift up a banner for the peoples!” [Isaiah 11:10, Isaiah 62:10]

Women In Tune | QUIVER | Cedars House Christian (International)